Illuminated artificial fingernails

ABSTRACT

An illuminated artificial nail has a base substrate, a lamp, a power source, a top and an on/off switch. The base substrate has a top view footprint of a shape and size to fit onto at least a portion of a human nail, and has sufficient flexibility to form into, or having a general curvature of, a human nail, the base substrate being attachable to a human fingernail, such as by adhesive. The lamp is located on top of the base substrate, and the top member has a single planar smooth top surface. The top member is selected from the group consisting of a top portion of the lamp, and a cover on top of the lamp and having at least a portion thereof being light transmittable.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation in part of copendingapplication Ser. No. 11/471,811 filed on Jun. 21, 2006 by the sameinventor herein and entitled “ILLUMINATED ARTIFICIAL FINGERNAILS”.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

a. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to artificial nails for both fingers andtoes, but especially fingernails, wherein the nails have smooth flat topsurfaces and are illuminatable or are illuminated. The present inventionartificial nails may be self-contained with power and switchingbuilt-in, or may have separate power and/or switch features that areremote from the artificial nail. These separate features may be attachedto the hand or finger and be connected by a small or hidden wire to theartificial nails. In some preferred embodiments, the nails have flatlight lamps and may have press-to-turn-on and press-to-shut-off switchsystems.

b. Description of Related Art

The following patents are representative of the field pertaining to thepresent invention:

U.S. Pat. No. 6,631,723 B1 to Keith A. Mullen et al is directed toartificial nails with three dimensional features that may be arepresentation of any known or imagined person, place or thing. Thethree dimensional feature may have a protrusion that is graspable toassist in placing the nail onto a toenail of fingernail. The artificialnail may have a tool or may have a writing instrument. The threedimensional feature may also have hair, a sound emitter and may includea power source and a light emitter to emit light from a portion of thethree dimensional feature, such as a head's eyes.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,898,192 describes an artificial nail or toenail that canprovide an illusion of length with a varying color pattern, through theuse of a three dimensional holographic image.

U.S. Pat. No. Des. 433,536 illustrates a set of artificial toenails andfingernails that have protruding “Mickey Mouse” silhouette ears.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,276,382 describes electroluminescent lamps.

Notwithstanding the foregoing prior art patents, the present inventionis neither taught nor rendered obvious in view of said prior artreferences.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention relates to an illuminated artificial nail forhuman fingernails and toenails, but especially for fingernails. Thedevice includes a base substrate having a top view footprint of a shapeand size to fit onto at least a portion of a human nail, and havingsufficient flexibility to form into, or having a general curvature of, ahuman nail, the base substrate being attachable to a human fingernail.There is a lamp fixed to and located atop the base substrate and a powersource connected to the lamp to illuminate it. There is also a topmember having a single planar smooth top surface, the top member beingselected from the group consisting of a top portion of the lamp, and acover on top of the lamp. The top member has at least a portion thereoflight transmittable, i.e., translucent or transparent. In manyembodiments, the top member may be white, translucent in the white tocream color range, or it may have color like color transparencies. Thus,shades of reds, pinks, oranges, purples, magentas, yellows, golds,silvers and the like may be used. In some cases neon-like colors arepreferred.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the illuminatedartificial nail further includes an on/off switch connect to the powersource and to the lamp. In some preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, the power source is located between the top member and thebase substrate. In other preferred embodiments of the present invention,the power source is located remotely from the base substrate and isconnected via wiring to the lamp.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the power sourceis separated from the base substrate and lamp and has a housing that isattachable to a human. This housing includes attachment means selectedfrom the group consisting of an adhesive, a strap, a ring, a cut glove,and a bracelet.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the lamp iselected from the group consisting of an LED, an LCD, a DC incandescentbulb and a laminated flat lamp.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the laminatedflat lamp is a flat, laminated, phosphorous-based electroluminescentsheet light source.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the illuminatedartificial nail includes the base substrate, a flat power cell attachedto the top the base substrate, a reciprocating on/off switch atop thebase substrate and circuitry connecting the power cell the on/off switchand the lamp, the lamp being the flat, laminated, phosphorous-basedelectroluminescent sheet light source wherein its top laminate layer hasthe smooth top surface.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the illuminatedartificial nail includes the base substrate, a flat power cell attachedto the top the base substrate, a reciprocating on/off switch atop thebase substrate and circuitry connecting the power cell the on/off switchand the lamp, and the top member located above all of the foregoing andattached to at least one of the foregoing. In some of the preferredembodiments of the present invention, the top member is flexible, atleast at the switch, the switch is located below it and the switch maybe turned on and off by pressing the top member.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the top memberis the flat, laminated, phosphorous-based electroluminescent sheet lightsource and it is flexible at least at the switch, the switch is locatedbelow it and the switch may be turned on and off by pressing the flat,laminated, phosphorous-based electroluminescent sheet light source.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the nail is adisposable nail and includes illumination activation means that may beactivated upon application to a nail.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the device alsoincludes adhesive on the bottom of the base substrate for readyattachment. There may be a pealable strip that enables a user to removethe strip to expose the adhesive for application to a nail. Indisposable versions, the removal of the strip may release or enable acircuit completion to turn on the light. When the battery dies, or whenthe evening is over, or whenever the user desires, the nail may beremoved and thrown away. In non-disposable versions, the nail may beworn until damaged or until the user decides to remove it. In somepreferred embodiments, the battery may be replaceable. This is mostconvenient when the power source is remotely located, e.g. on a ring,glove or otherwise from the nail itself.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention should be more fully understood when thespecification herein is taken in conjunction with the drawings appendedhereto wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a partial cut side view of one preferred embodimentof the present invention illuminated fingernail;

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial cut side view of another preferredembodiment present invention nail;

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial cut side view of another preferredembodiment present invention nail using a flat lamp and remote powersource and switch;

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cut side view of another preferredembodiment present invention nail using an LCD, a LED or incandescentlamp with remote components;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of one preferred embodiment of the presentinvention nail connected to a ring;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of one preferred embodiment of the presentinvention nail connected to a finger-cut glove;

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of one preferred embodiment of the presentinvention nail connected to an adhesive pad;

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of one preferred embodiment of the presentinvention nail connected to a bracelet or watch; and,

FIG. 9 illustrates a set of present invention nails from taken FIG. 1 orFIG. 2, applied to nails and in full illumination.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention relates to flat smooth artificial nails that lightup. They may have a curvature or may be flexible to yield to the naturalcurve of human nails, but to simulate nails, they must be free of threedimensional topography. FIG. 1 illustrates a partial cut side view ofpresent invention illuminated fingernail 100. Nail 100 includes a basesubstrate 101, with a bottom 103 and a top 105. Bottom 105 may haveadhesive (not shown) on it, or adhesive may be applied to it, to thenatural nail to which it is attached or both. Base substrate maygenerally be made of any known plastic material that can be adhered tohuman nails, including, but not limited to natural and synthetic resins,acrylics, polyesters, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, urethanes, etc.

On the top of base substrate 101 and attached to it or encased orotherwise held in the device, is a battery, fuel cell or other powersource 107. Attached at the top is an electroluminescent sheet lamp 111that has a smooth top laminate 117 a phosphorus activateable interlayer115 and a base laminate 113 with appropriate circuitry for completingthe circuit to illuminate it. The materials for these flat light arewell known and within the purview of the flat light artisan. Powersource 107 is electrically connected to lamp 111 and to switch 109, asshown. While it is shown as wired to illustrate the connections, printedcircuitry could alternatively or partially be used. Switch 109 is areciprocal on/off switch, i.e., press and it turns on, press again andit turns off, repeating the cycle with each depression. Thus, pressingthe flexible front end of nail lamp 111 will turn the lamp 111 on andpressing again will turn it off.

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial cut side view of another preferredembodiment present invention nail 200. Nail 200 includes a basesubstrate 201, with a bottom 203 and a top 205. As above with respect toFIG. 1, bottom 205 may have adhesive on it, or adhesive may be appliedto it, to the natural nail to which it is attached or both. On the topof base substrate 201 and attached to it or encased or otherwise held inthe device, is a battery, fuel cell or other power source 207, a lamp211 and a switch 209. Attached at the top is a transparent ortranslucent top member 213. This top member may be formed of anyfunctional plastic, such as those described for the base substrateheretofore. Power source 207 is electrically connected to lamp 211 andto switch 109, as shown. Lamp 211 is an LCD, LED, Incandescent,fluorescent, neon, gas or any other type of lamp that will work withinthis configuration on DC power. Switch 109 is a reciprocal on/offswitch, and operates when top member 213 is pressed.

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial cut side view of another preferredembodiment present invention nail 300 using a flat lamp similar to thatin FIG. 1 above, but with a remote power source and switch. Nail 300includes a base substrate 301, with adhesive 307 on its bottom. On thetop of base substrate 301 and attached to it is an electroluminescentsheet lamp 303 that has a smooth top laminate, a phosphorus interlayerand a base laminate with appropriate circuitry for completing thecircuit to illuminate it. Power source 305 is electrically connected toswitch 311 and connected to lamp 303, via wires 309, as shown andelectrically operates by turning the switch 311 on and off, as thewearer may desire.

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cut side view of another preferredembodiment present invention nail 400 using an LCD, an LED orincandescent lamp with remote components. Nail 400 includes a basesubstrate 401. On the top of base substrate 401 and attached to it is anembedded, encased or otherwise attached lamp 403, and on top is smoothtop member 405 that is at least partially translucent or transparent.Power source 305 is electrically connected to switch 311 and connectedto lamp 303, via wires 309, as shown and electrically operates byturning the switch 311 on and off, as the wearer may desire.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a present invention artificial nail 501connected to a ring 507 via wires 503 and power source and switch 509.The wires must have sufficient length so that when a wearer wears thenail and ring, the wires are not separated when the finger is flexed.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of a present invention nail 601 connectedto a finger-cut glove 607 via wires 603 to power source 605 and switch609. Again, the wires must have sufficient length so that when a wearerwears the nail and glove, the wires are not separated when the finger isflexed.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view a present invention nail 701 connected toan adhesive pad 705 via wires 703 to power source 707 and switch 709.This pad 705 may be adhered to the back of the hand of the forearm orany other area close to the finger. Again, the wires must havesufficient length so that when a wearer wears the nail and pad, thewires are not separated when the finger is flexed.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of a present invention nail 801 connectedto a bracelet or watch 805 via wires 803 to power source and switch 807.Again, the wires must have sufficient length so that when a wearer wearsthe nail and glove, the wires are not separated when the finger isflexed.

FIG. 9 illustrates a set of present invention nails from taken FIG. 1 orFIG. 2, applied to nails and in full illumination. Here, hand 900 haspresent invention illuminated nails 901, 903, 905, 907 and 909 toillustrate the present invention in full use.

Numerous modifications and variations of the present invention arepossible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore understoodthat within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may bepracticed otherwise than as specifically described herein.

1. An illuminated artificial nail, which comprises: a) a base substratehaving a top and a bottom, and having a top view footprint of a shapeand size to fit onto at least a portion of a human nail, and havingsufficient flexibility to form into, or having a general curvature of, ahuman nail, said base substrate being attachable to a human fingernail;b) a lamp fixed by and located on top of said base substrate and beingseparated from said bottom of said base substrate; c) a power sourceconnected to said lamp to illuminate it, said power source beingselected from the group consisting of a power source located betweensaid base substrate and a top member; and a remotely located powersource. d) a top member having a single planar smooth top surface, saidtop member being selected from the group consisting of a top portion ofsaid lamp, and a cover on top of said lamp and having at least a portionthereof being light transmittable, and, e) an on/off switch connected tosaid power source and to said lamp.
 2. The illuminated artificial nailof claim 1 wherein said remotely located power source is connected viawiring to said lamp.
 3. The illuminated artificial nail of claim 2wherein said power source has a housing that is attachable to a humanand includes attachment means selected from the group consisting of anadhesive, a strap, a ring, a cut glove, and a bracelet.
 4. Theilluminated artificial nail of claim 1 wherein said lamp is selectedfrom the group consisting of an LED, and LCD, a DC incandescent bulb anda laminated flat lamp.
 5. The illuminated artificial nail of clam 4wherein said laminated flat lamp is a flat, laminated, phosphorous-basedelectroluminescent sheet light source.
 6. The illuminated artificialnail of claim 5 wherein said nail includes said base substrate, a flatpower cell attached to said top of said base substrate, a reciprocatingon/off switch atop said base substrate and circuitry connecting saidpower cell, said on/off switch and said lamp, said lamp being said flat,laminated, phosphorous-based electroluminescent sheet light sourcewherein its top laminate layer has said smooth top surface.
 7. Theilluminated artificial nail of claim 6 wherein said flat, laminated,phosphorous-based electroluminescent sheet light source is flexible atsaid switch, said switch is located below it and said switch may beturned on and off by pressing said flat, laminated, phosphorous-basedelectroluminescent sheet light source.
 8. The illuminated artificialnail of claim 1 wherein said nail is a disposable nail and includesillumination activation means that may be activated upon application toa nail.
 9. An illuminated artificial nail, which comprises: a) a basesubstrate having a top and a bottom, and having a top view footprint ofa shape and size to fit onto at least a portion of a human nail, andhaving sufficient flexibility to form into, or having a generalcurvature of, a human nail, said base substrate being attachable to ahuman fingernail; b) an adhesive layer located on said bottom of saidbase substrate for attachment to a nail; c) a lamp fixed by and locatedon top of said base substrate and being separated from said bottom ofsaid base substrate; d) a power source connected to said lamp toilluminate it, said power source being selected from the groupconsisting of a power source located between said base substrate and atop member; and a remotely located power source. e) a top member havinga single planar smooth top surface, said top member being selected fromthe group consisting of a top portion of said lamp, and a cover on topof said lamp and having at least a portion thereof being lighttransmittable, and, f) an on/off switch connected to said power sourceand to said lamp.
 10. The illuminated artificial nail of claim 9 whereinsaid remotely located power source is connected via wiring to said lamp.11. The illuminated artificial nail of claim 10 wherein said powersource has a housing that is attachable to a human and includesattachment means selected from the group consisting of an adhesive, astrap, a ring, a cut glove, and a bracelet.
 12. The illuminatedartificial nail of claim 9 wherein said lamp is selected from the groupconsisting of an LED, and LCD, a DC incandescent bulb and a laminatedflat lamp.
 13. The illuminated artificial nail of clam 12 wherein saidlaminated flat lamp is a flat, laminated, phosphorous-basedelectroluminescent sheet light source.
 14. The illuminated artificialnail of claim 13 wherein said nail includes said base substrate, a flatpower cell attached to said top of said base substrate, a reciprocatingon/off switch atop said base substrate and circuitry connecting saidpower cell, said on/off switch and said lamp, said lamp being said flat,laminated, phosphorous-based electroluminescent sheet light sourcewherein its top laminate layer has said smooth top surface.
 15. Theilluminated artificial nail of claim 14 wherein said flat, laminated,phosphorous-based electroluminescent sheet light source is flexible atsaid switch, said switch is located below it and said switch may beturned on and off by pressing said flat, laminated, phosphorous-basedelectroluminescent sheet light source.
 16. The illuminated artificialnail of claim 9 wherein said nail is a disposable nail and includesillumination activation means that may be activated upon application toa nail.